An Interview With Candy Coburn

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Friends, Music, Projects, thank you, Uncategorized Comment

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I am so excited to be introducing you to such a beautiful spirit and a great friend, Ms. Candy Coburn!  Candy is not only a bright light on a dark night, she is also an incredible songwriter and performer.  Just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

Candy currently resides in Austin, TX  but was born and raised a southern girl from Kentucky- Southern Missouri and East Texas.  You hear the variations in her thick Southern accent.  You also hear the joy in her voice when she speaks.  We can sit down for a cup of coffee and have just as much fun as if she is on stage entertaining.  Hanging out with Candy is always fun.  There is no pretense, no super star ego – although she is in super star territory with her music.  Candy has shared the stage with such people as Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Bret Michaels, Brooks & Dunn, Zac Brown Band, Josh Turner, Marshall Tucker Band, Rodney Crowell, Little Big Town, Lady Antebellum, Charlie Daniels Band, Pat Green, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, just to name a few.  Yes, she is up there with the country superstars for sure!

She is currently working on a new album, “The Good Life”, and just started a Kickstarter campaign for production costs.  This album is all Candy and tells an incredible story about where she is in life right now.  She is truly living the Good Life.  She jumped at the chance to answer some of my questions for you all.  Introducing the wonderful Candy Coburn:

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Tell us a little bit about your new album.

I am so excited to be doing a new studio album which will be my 5 th but it has been 4 years since I did the last one. “THE GOOD LIFE” Album is about raw, rockin, real, songs- poured out after some revelation and reinvention! Joy+Hope=this Redemption Jam! It will be out in late July for release most likely, but for Investors of my Kickstarter Campaign who go on and PRE-Buy the advance release album now at this link, they will get the album in June!

What inspired you to come up with the tone of this latest album and it’s title?

I have had a major DO-Over in my life in the past 2 years. My life is truly unrecognizable. After struggling with addiction, getting sober, focusing on my family, and finding my way back to a place God had intended me to be the entire time… I am living, breathing, proof that miracles DO happen! My die hard fans are saying I have finally found “MY Sound”.  I think this sound is more about feeling like I am really exactly where I am supposed to be. God laid it on my heart as a part of my new mission and purpose to get these real, soul rockin’ songs out there to others who might have had some struggles and those who may still suffer in silence. This IS the Good Life so that had to be the title because it was one of the first songs that flowed right out first!

What is your writing process? Do lyrics come first or the music? From a dream or experience?

I have a wild(unorganized) way of writing-I use a voice recorder on my Iphone-I have 100s of weird melodies on there that might have been taped at 3am when I heard it in my head literally waking up from a dream and leaned over in the dark and hummed it (quietly so I don’t wake up my hubby). I am a melody based writer-I always have a melody in my head and then write generally from that “hook”- I have a journal I keep my entire life in and ideas that are significant to me are really big and bold so I can flip back thru when I write and pull those amazing nuggets out of that beat up journal everyone makes fun of that I carry around me with all the time;) (Side note from me, Cat, I have seen this described journal, have watched her all of a sudden open it and write quickly….from what I have glanced at it when sitting next to Candy, this journal in and of itself looks like a work of art!)

Who are your musical influences or favorites?

I am asked this often and I know it would literally take me an hour to tell you all about my wide variety of influences I will put it this way.. My idea of a “boy band concert” was a gospel quartet, like the Cathedrals, Kingsmen.. in a tent revival when I was a little girl (my grandma didn’t allow any “rock” music growing up), I loved classics like Kenny Rogers, John Conlee, Eddie Rabbit, Alabama, Loretta Lynn to Glenn Miller Orchestra.. enter Middle school freedom and I fell in love with the Eagles, The Cars, The Cure(later), Violent Femmes… a list so long it would take all day—but top heroes in my life that I want to grow up to even attempt to try to be like..Patty Griffin, Bonnie Raitt, and I can go on and on….but I know you have to keep it short right?! ha!—Like I said, this is the most impossible short answer interview question in my career and influences.  🙂

Did you always see yourself as a musician?

Always knew this is what made my heart patter- I remember watching the awards on tv as a little kid and knowing I had something butterflies in my stomach—I would get so excited my hands would sweat. Ha!– now to call myself a “Musician” would require that I played a real instrument “really well”—so Nope, I still don’t call myself a “real” musician ha!

Where did you get your start?

My grandmother was a great singer-she is 91 and still sings on occasion with me at a gospel brunch over in Conroe where my dad lives. She taught me the love of singing and literally had me singing in church from age 3 I think!

What are some of your other interests?

I love to stay (what I say..) “strong not skinny”! I love to work out and get the natural endorphins to have energy and feel like I can still “pack my own gear” for gigs. 😉  I love to be outside fishing, and especially riding my Harley!! I love working with at-risk youth and do music with them—I have a small music project here in Austin working with some of our foster shelters and homeless youth. I love them AND am so excited that I belive we are going to be able to have them doing some back up vocals on a “fighter “ song called “WALK TALL” on the record!

Favorite movie and why?

Love the Godfather-if I had to take one trilogy with me, I think I can always seem to find something new in it-what a classic! Also LOVE Heart like a Wheel which was the Shirley Muldowney story of on of the first female race car drivers!

You are a mom. Tell us a little about your kids. Are they musicians as well?

LOVE being a mom-more than anything I have done in my life I say those 2 boys are the BEST thing I have and will ever do in my life. Insane how much we can truly love them like we could just squeeze them forever;) They are NOT musicians and have grown up around it and on a tour bus so they have “been there, done that”—ha—probably a blessing since this is not exactly the “easiest”career path…;)

What is a typical day for you?

Totally different every single day! I usually get my kids to school, do a quick work out and get into my office to do one of many hats I wear—write music, coach new artist, some days teach or speak for schools or colleges, lead worship music as a guest artist for some churches around the country, fly out to do shows out of state, play live in Austin, have rehearsals, do my Soulful Inspiration Music Project with the youth here in Austin- I am usually movin and grooving with a wacky schedule every day and then hustling to get my kiddos to ballgames and activities.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for being so supportive and amazing to me Cat! I love your sunny spirit and the encouragement and inspiration you have given me!

How can my readers discover more about you and you work?

Website:  Candy Coburn

Facebook:  Official Candy Coburn

Twitter: @candycoburn

As Candy briefly mentioned above, she does far more than just music.  Candy has brought her gift to those who feel they are lost in the darkness, especially lost girls and boys.  Candy’s heart is huge and her energy contagious.  She is also an advocate for women who need an ally in life.  Reading her blog posts, you can actually hear her voice and laughter, and more importantly her love!  Candy is all about giving back…

Thank you so much my dear friend….for everything you do!

Don’t forget to check out Candy’s campaign and website!

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Shae

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Health, Life, Uncategorized Comment

Today I am excited to introduce guest blogger Matt Riemann, founder of ph360 and Shae, a new techology coming out this year that can help you make better health choices tailored to your personal needs and in real time.

Matt is a personalized health expert and has addressed both the United Nations and the World Health Organization at their request, advised the US Army and recently did a TED Talk on personalized health in Los Angeles.

“My Healthy Habits were Making me Sick”: Three People Share Their Stories

By Matt Riemann, founder of ph360, entrepreneur, changemaker

If you’ve ever had symptoms that won’t go away no matter what you try, prescribed or over-the-counter, physical or mental, big or small, then I think you’ll enjoy reading the stories of Janna and Diana. Though their stories are very different, they have something very important in common: each woman, either suddenly or over time, was faced with a slew of physical symptoms that persisted despite her leading what she considered a healthy lifestyle – eating right, exercising, and managing her stress. More importantly, what these women’s stories share is a triumphant conclusion! Read on.

Janna

My life. I‘m a 63-years young proud mom of two beautiful daughters who love to travel the world. I spend a lot of time on my own, with my nose in a book, my arms deep in soil while I garden in the sun, or discovering new places, cultures and foods on my own travels to far off lands.

My challenges. Just a few years ago, I went for my annual physical. One week, one biopsy, and many tests later, it was confirmed: I had inflammatory breast cancer, Stage 3. Immediate chemotherapy, a full mastectomy, radiation; my body went through it all. I felt extremely weak and constantly ill. My hair and nails were gone, as was the sensation in my hands and feet from the nerve damage. And to top that off, all the treatment was also killing my liver. All I wanted was the strength to complete treatment and regain my strong body.

My triumph. I was blessed to be given personalized lifestyle recommendations via a health program my daughter discovered and suggested to me. Little by little, I changed what I was eating, and slowly, my liver values returned to normal. All I knew was that I was happy to have my liver and my body back. To be feeling new, and that I had personalized health to thank for it. I notice that when I follow my diet closely, my lymph flows freely and the swelling that sometimes shows up in my arm (a function of several lymph nodes being removed along with my left breast as part of cancer treatment), goes down.

Diana

My life. I’m 49 years old, an avid skiing, hiking, and health enthusiast. I have three daughters and three grandchildren who are my world. My life’s passion is helping others get healthy, which I’ve done as a health coach for the last twenty years.

My challenges. Out of my 49 years of life, I’ve been extremely healthy for 48 of them, maintaining a slim, strong figure with only a few grey hairs visible on my head. That all changed a few years ago, when I began to get aches and pains, and soon after muscle weakness, joint pain, memory loss, mental fog, ringing in my head, sinus issues, extreme hand dryness, shingles, fatigue and constant heart palpitations. If that wasn’t enough, I was waking up with nosebleeds and rarely did a severe headache pass up the opportunity to greet my afternoon. The vibrant, energetic woman I considered myself to be was all of a sudden physically debilitated and unenthusiastic about life.

My triumph. I sought help from various health professionals and, though well-intentioned, none could tell me what was going on with my body. Then came the long-awaited solution that at first threw me for a loop. I discovered, thanks to personalized health solutions recommended to me by a friend, that my particular bodily constitution benefits from living at low altitudes and warm, dry climates. I also discovered that kale, touted as the nutrient-rich “superfood,” was good for me in very small quantities or not at all. Here I was living in the cold, windy mountains, drinking green smoothies packed with kale every day for the past two years. Pessimistic yet hopeful, I went to stay with my daughter, who lived in an environment that mimicked what I was being told was ideal for my body, to give this latest recommendation a try. After nearly 3 weeks, all of my symptoms were gone! My soft hands, supple joints, and clear head and sinuses were back! I felt like a completely new woman! One who was and is so grateful for finding the right things for her body when she did! Thanks to personalized health.

Can you relate to Janna and Diana? I can. In 2006, I awoke in severe and excruciating pain – a sensation that felt like I was being stabbed in the chest and soon enough in my spine too. I was doing everything I thought I was supposed to be doing – eating right, exercising every day, managing my stress, spending time with loving, supportive family and close friends, and leading a passionate career as a physical therapist working with Olympic athletes. Needless to say, I was surprised by the constant, severe pain I was all of a sudden having. I tried every available treatment option. Everything from physical and hydro therapy to pain and anti-inflammatory medication. Nothing helped. After months of confusion and frustration, I found out I had familial amyloid polyneuropathy. A condition caused by a mutation in my TTR gene. I was told that l would be alive for a maximum of 9 more years, most of which I’d spend in a wheelchair.

I spent the following year researching and meeting with clinical geneticists and genetics researchers and I learned something life changing. Our genes, like my TTR gene, can be activated or deactivated by way of our lifestyle and environment. All I had to do was find out and enact the lifestyle and environment that were right for me. The solution recommended for my unique biology and genetics by some of the greatest minds in the world, led me to making some unexpected changes to my diet and lifestyle. Soon enough I was completely pain free!

You too can triumph over your health challenges. That’s because we now know that our genes, whether for illness or health, obesity or thinness, acne or clear skin, can be activated or deactivated, turned on or off. Our environment and lifestyle is what controls the switch. What Janna and Diana have in common is that the cause of their triumph was personalized. They each made changes specific to them.

The wisdom of epigenetics has revived in society a new hope that each one of us can get and stay optimally healthy by learning to operate our personal epigenetic on/off switch. That’s why the real triumph for me wasn’t in becoming pain-free myself but in creating a way for everyone in the world to have their unique epigenetic wisdom work for them. Developed alongside a global team of doctors, researchers and scientists, it’s a wellness platform known as Personal Health 360 that applies personalized health to give each person insights specific to their unique body, from the point of view of the many facets of epigenetics.

The solution to your quest for optimal health lies in the ways you eat, exercise, think and sleep. The ways you socialize, work, and live, and anywhere in between. So I hope you’ll join Janna and Diana and thousands of other men and women all around the world who are reclaiming their health and wellness by discovering what is right for them with Shae™, the next generation of ph360 and the very first application to customize health specifically for your unique body and circumstances in real time.”

I am looking forward to trying out my own device this Fall.  (Shae has a Kickstarter campaign you can check out here.)  Here’s to better health for all of us!

Super League Gaming Discount

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

Now your family can play Minecraft in select movie theatres with Super League Gaming. Super League brings together gamers of all ages for a fun, social, face-to-face gameplay experience on the big screen with superhero themed maps and mods in a custom Minecraft adventure called, Rise of Heroes.

HOW IT WORKS
Bring your laptop with Minecraft 1.9.2 installed and play first-person on your computer and then you wirelessly connect to Super League’s server which puts you and everyone else in the movie theater’s gameplay up on the big screen. Parents and siblings can attend for free to watch and cheer their gamer on.

Your gamers will play, collaborate and socialize on teams with 4-7 members their own age as they build, battle and use their creativity and imagination. Super League even provides all the tech help and support making this a great family-friendly event.

THE LEAGUE ENCOURAGES SOCIAL CONNECTIONS & TEAMWORK
It’s all about teamwork and collaboration. Each player gets a free gaming t-shirt encouraging team building and camaraderie. There’s even an opportunity for the winning team to evenly split a college scholarship.

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League starts April 30. Visit Superleague.com for a schedule of times and locations. Tickets are regularly priced $60. Use promo code “USFAMILY10” today for an exclusive $10 discount.

Grab your tickets HERE!

Austin Robotics Camp Offer!

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

S.T.E.A.M. education: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math!

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ROBOTS-4-U Summer Camps Now Enrolling – Where Fun, Thinking & Learning comes to Life!
www.ROBOTS-4-U.com @Robots4U – Facebook.com/Robots4Usummercamp

Campers having a BLAST, while learning and playing in a dynamic environment. Learning about Robotics and Science, in an independent and exciting way!
Visit www.ROBOTS-4-U.com to see dates and locations for these day camps.

– Robot / Science / Engineering / Day Camp / Challenges

– Camps Girls and Boys – Aged 7 to 14

– Robot Camps and Dynamic Art Camps offered during June, July and August

– Hands on Learning, Self-Paced. Beginners to Expert!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tOiy191ymts%3Ffeature%3Dplayer_embedded

KEY INFORMATION

– 1 week (5 days) long

– Days: Monday to Friday Times: 9:00-11:30a.m. and 12:30-3:00 p.m.

– CAMPERS RATIO: 1 Instructor to 16 participants
-Register early as camps do fill up quickly!

– Each Camper Individually uses a ROBOTICS or DYNAMIC ART Kit.  Robot kits do not go home with campers but are available for purchase!

MY READERS RECEIVE 55% Off Robotics Science Summer Camps! Code: USF1550r www.ROBOTS-4-U.com .@usfg #robots4u

 

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A Few Beautiful Blogs

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Crafts, Crochet, Declutter, DIY, Family, Food, Good Reads, Life, Photos, Uncategorized Comment

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I wanted to share a few blogs on my blog roll this week.  With rainy days all week, these are a few of the places I am visiting when baby is napping.  All are beautiful in their own way.  Relax and enjoy!

Attic 24 – Oh the color!  The yarn!  The patterns!  The crochet!  I absolutely adore this one so very much!  Lucy is most inspiring!

Sew Liberated – After a hiatus, Meg McElwee is back with a revamped blog that I adore!! I have both her sewing books, Sew Liberated and Growing Up Sew Liberated, and love every pattern.  Definitely one of my favorites!

A Beautiful Mess – Talk about inspiring, Elsie Larson and Emma Chapman have created a gorgeous lifestyle blog that is beyond beautiful!  I want every photo to be my life!

Design Mom – Another lifestyle blog that I could stare at for hours.  Gabrielle Blair created a gorgeous blog full of gorgeous things.

Magic Onions – This is a sweet Waldorf Blog I have been perusing for years.  I love all the crafts and ideas!  Many of these have been created in our home when the girls were young.  I love all things Waldorf.

So there you have it….a few blogs I am reading this week!  Grab a cup of coffee and a snack, you may be here awhile!

Enjoy!!

*contains affiliate links

Garden Happenings

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Family, Farm Life, Gardening, harvest, Health, Uncategorized Comment

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Getting back to the garden after an extended hiatus where we let things go wild.  Several pretty blooms, and I am excited about our tomato beds.  We got the idea from DIY wicking beds using pvc, gravel, container, etc..  Google it, there are so many variations that use supplies you probably already have!  Tomatoes prefer to be watered from the bottom up, so this should be a success…we will find out!  I also planted some bush beans in the container as the kids love fresh green beans!  We also have some cucumbers and I just picked up some peppers, another tomato (Cherokee Purple) and strawberries for a $1 each!  OH, and peppermint to put in a pot.  I am so happy to be back out in the dirt.  It’s been awhile I am ashamed to say…

And it looks like we will have lemons this year!!  So excited for this!  We have a dwarf Meyer’s lemon in our front yard and I wasn’t sure if it would really ever produce, but this is year 3 and it’s covered!  Happy dancing over this…;)

What are you growing this year?

Organic Valley And Morning Moms

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Uncategorized Comment

Most working women agree that mornings can be chaotic. Throw children into the mix and things get even more interesting!  But the media and even our own selves, love to paint a different picture to the outside world.  You know what I am talking about.  I mean, who looks like this at 6:30 in the morning?!  Yet we see it on social media showing the perfect breakfast, everyone happy, etc…  Maybe this is your reality, and if so then I probably hate you.  LOL!   My reality is running around shoving fruit at kids as they are perpetually late to the bus because they forgot where they put their other shoe or didn’t finish a “small” section of homework that of course needs my help.  By the time I even get a cup of coffee in my hand it’s already mid morning and the baby needs yet another diaper change…ha!  And forget getting dressed before 9!  Thank goodness I work at home now!

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The new ”Organic Balance Real Morning Report” shows that “real” women get their days started in some interesting ways…especially when compared to the images of how perfect women on TV or in social media updates appear to.  SoundView Research conducted an initial scientific poll in February 2016 among 1,000 American women ages 25 to 54 who work full time.   The surprising and sometimes hilarious findings (a few are below) are irresistible.
•       Uber and chow: 79% of women admit to eating breakfast in a moving vehicle.
•       TGIM? Heck no: Only 16% of women would ever describe their morning with the hashtag #blessed.
•       Maid, not made: 33% of women never make their bed, ever.
•       Blowouts before Bagels: Hair, shower and makeup outrank breakfast in order of importance to women.
•       Airing/Wearing their dirty laundry: 36% of women will knowingly re-wear dirty laundry this month. 88% will wear jeans more than once without washing them.
•       Penicillin, schmenicillin: 9% cite dry shampoo as among the greatest inventions of the 20th century.
•       Accessory after the splat: 21% of women have used an article of clothing to camouflage a stain

The Organic Balance Morning Report aims to reveal secret truths about women’s a.m. habits. Its purpose is to deflate the myth of the perfect woman—as seen on TV, Facebook and Instagram—and start a real conversation about all the craziness that modern life entails, whether that be answering business emails on the toilet or wearing the same bra for five days or more—which 26% of women have done, according to the study. Additional Morning Report findings show that working women today embrace their crazy lives, but they’re always on the lookout for better life pro tips and hacks.

To add your 2 cents, take the survey here!  Most of us are not the Pinterest perfect moms, especially in the morning!  Why not embrace the chaos?  I say this as I look at the 3 day old sweats I am wearing, laundry to fold on the couch and yes, I use dry shampoo!  I also love Organic Valley!

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AdoramaPix Offer!

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Gifts, giveaway, Photos, Uncategorized Comment

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#ad AdoramaPix helps people turn their digital photographs from abstract computer files into beautiful keepsakes designed to last a lifetime. Their contemporary metal prints capture memories in rich color and vibrant detail. Because your images are infused right into the metal, and not painted on the surface, their metal prints are extremely durable. Not only will your metal image be water and weather proof, but scratch resistant as well. You can even clean it with glass cleaner. Your memories deserve to live in true, archival luxury with AdoramaPix metal prints.

You can find all the fun gift ideas HERE:
http://www.adoramapix.com/app/home/

My readers get to save! 25% off Hexagon #Metal Prints! Use promo code: PXHEXMTL25 expires 06/ 15 /2016

Review: Creative Kids Photo Guide Craft Books

Published on: by catballou24 Category:Crafts, DIY, Family, Good Reads, Reviews, Uncategorized Comment

 

Just received a set of books that are perfect for summer!  Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide Craft books!  Along with a couple extra bonus books.

The Creative Kids Complete Photo Guide series leads the way with step-by step instructions.  Sewing, crochet, knitting and bead crafts!  Super easy instructions with clear photos of every step.  Tons of great projects that will keep the kids entertained through the summer!

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For a little more variety, dip into the sparkly side of life with Charm Love Friendship Bracelets and Rubber Band Glam. They are both sure to be a hit with kids from about first grade through middle school.  Easy enough for my 7 year old grandson, and holds the attention of my 13 year old daughter!

My kids are already diving in and excited about all the projects layed out.  I am excited to share them with you!

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The opinions and thoughts contained in this post are 100% mine. I only ever work with companies I support and think you, my readers, will like. Please read my full review and endorsement policy here.